BY Susan Slivia and Ronn Jordan

Our schools have seen many changes over the last several years: a new governance system, new curriculum, new initiatives and programs in local schools, and the restructuring of many low performing schools.

 
One thing hasn’t changed. Many of our schools have safety issues. Children often face dangerous traffic, street crime, and even violence around and inside our schools. These conditions threaten the physical and emotional health of our children, and make learning difficult. Solutions to many of these problems are simple and affordable.
 
It’s time we came together to demand action. We’re starting with a petition drive and a community meeting on Feb. 15, and we invite you to join us. Our children deserve it.
 
Being hit by a vehicle is the leading cause of death and injury for children aged 5 to 9 in New York City. The Bronx has the second highest rate of pedestrian injury in the state. Many streets around our schools are designed for fast driving, and we have a shortage of crossing guards. The best way to improve traffic safety around our schools is with traffic calming devices such as speed humps, which will reduce the speed of passing vehicles. In Oakland, California, studies have shown that children living on blocks with speed humps have up to 60 percent less chance of being injured or killed by motorists. The city’s Department of Transportation is permitted by law to reduce speed limits around schools to 15 miles per hour. 
 
PS/MS 95 is a good example of how these issues play out in District 10 schools. Gang activity and dangerous traffic have been the main safety issues at the school. Cars often speed down Sedgwick Avenue, where the school is located, in an attempt to make it through the light on the corner of Van Cortlandt Avenue. The bus stop that many students use is across Sedgwick from the school in the middle of the block – a situation that leads many students to cross at mid-block. The school has two annexes, and students face traffic hazards when moving from one building to another. Traffic calming devices could make a big difference at PS/MS 95.
 
Street crime is common on the blocks around many of our schools, even during daylight hours when children are going to school or returning home. We need police foot patrol to keep school zones quiet and safe. Over the long term, we need more after school programs and jobs in our communities.
 
Safety issues also exist within our schools. A shortage of security guards leaves many schools unable to oversee their many busy entrances at the beginning and end of the day.
 
Schools also need to have a clear and decisive evacuation plan in place to deal with emergencies such as the oil spill that recently occurred at MS 80.  No child or staff member should be overwhelmed by fumes and need be hospitalized, before a decision to evacuate is made.
 
Schools need a clean environment, where all facilities are properly serviced. They need to develop a school culture that is orderly, respectful, and engaging, and school and regional emergency plans that work. Students, parents, teachers, administrators, and security personnel need to work together.
 
Our children’s safety is at risk, and we need to take action. The Northwest Bronx Community and Clergy Coalition, the Community Collaborative to Improve District 9 Schools, and the United Federation of Teachers, working in collaboration with Region 1 and Transportation Alternatives, are starting an effort to make Region 1 streets and schools safe for our children. Please join us for our kickoff community meeting and rally on Tuesday, February 15, at 6 p.m. at Our Lady of Refuge Church on 196th Street between Bainbridge and Briggs avenues. Help us launch a petition drive to collect tens of thousands of signatures to protect and support our children. Together we can make the change!
 
For more information, call Ronn Jordan or Clay Smith at (718) 295-0900.